The absolute gold standard of situational comedy in Bollywood. The chemistry between Paresh Rawal (as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte), Akshay Kumar, and Suniel Shetty created an endless loop of memes and iconic lines that are deeply embedded in Indian pop culture today. I – Iqbal (2005)

A relatable tale of a lazy Mumbai youth finding his calling. X: Past Is Present

This film redefined the "family entertainer" genre, focusing on wedding traditions and relationships. Its massive success paved the way for modern, opulent Bollywood family dramas. I: Iqbal (2005) Genre: Sports/Drama

While technically a Tamil film dubbed into Hindi, its impact on Indian cinema is undeniable. Mani Ratnam’s gangster drama starring Kamal Haasan is often listed among the greatest Indian films of all time, appearing high on IMDb’s Top 250 Indian movies.

Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, Udaan is a powerful indie drama that made waves at the Cannes Film Festival. It showcases the toxic relationship between an oppressive father and his aspiring poet son, featuring an incredible, uplifting musical score. V – Vicky Donor (2012) Genre: Romantic Comedy Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Yami Gautam, Annu Kapoor

The Ultimate A-to-Z Guide to the Best Hindi Movies of All Time

N — For N, she picked Neerja—courage personified—an ordinary woman becoming a heroic protector.

A thrilling political drama about a common man becoming the Chief Minister for a day. Anil Kapoor’s performance is electrifying, making it highly relevant to this day. O: Omkara (2006) Genre: Crime/Drama

The grand daddy of cricket and cinema. Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, Lagaan is a three-hour epic set in Victorian India that uses a cricket match as a device to protest oppressive taxation. Aamir Khan’s magnum opus remains a global favourite.

Aditya Chopra Why it’s the best: Known as DDLJ , this film has been running in Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir theatre for over 25 years. It defined the "Indian abroad" romance. Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s chemistry, the Swiss fields, and the iconic train scene make it the most influential romantic film in Hindi history.

- A timeless historical epic known for its grandeur, dialogues, and music.

Note: Universally sorted under 'T' for Three Idiots. One of the highest-grossing and most influential Indian films of all time. This comedy-drama heavily critiques the rigid, high-pressure Indian education system while celebrating friendship, passion, and the pursuit of excellence over mere success. U – Udaan (2010)

- A classic film focusing on man vs. machine, featuring Dilip Kumar.

Affectionately known as DDLJ, this film redefined romance for an entire generation. Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, the movie blended traditional Indian family values with a modern NRI love story. It famously ran in a Mumbai theater for over 25 years. E – Ek Tha Tiger (2012)

An epic, two-part crime saga centered on the coal mafia of Dhanbad. Known for its raw dialogue, gritty realism, and generational blood feuds, it completely changed modern Indian independent cinema. H — Hera Pheri (2000)

This cinematic journey spans from the Golden Age classics to modern masterpieces, celebrating the rich storytelling and cultural legacy of Indian cinema.